The leftist leader said Friday in the town of Ckochas that he's been given some 500 handmade ponchos, which he estimates cost about $200 a piece.

Controversy has simmered around reports of Morales' personal wealth ballooning while in office. Official filings show Morales' declared assets increasing from $240,000 when he took office in 2006 to $389,000 in October. Known as the country's first indigenous president, Morales earns an annual salary of $28,000. He remains one of the region's lowest paid presidents.

Morales said Friday he wasn't to blame for receiving gifts from the public.